2026 RIDEM Disaster Relief Program

The 2026 RIDEM Disaster Relief Program is a reimbursement initiative managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Bureau of Natural Resources. It provides financial assistance to eligible Rhode Island farmers, foresters, and aquaculture producers who suffered qualifying weather-related losses during 2023 and 2024. Eligible losses include damage to farm infrastructure, timber, perennial crops, poultry production, market losses, and land restoration, provided these losses were not already covered by existing USDA Farm Service Agency programs. The program is funded through a Rhode Island 220 Block Grant Agreement between the USDA Farm Service Agency and RIDEM, with a total available funding pool of 15,644,632.43. Applications must be submitted electronically via the state's grant management website by December 31, 2026. Awards are not based on competitive scoring but on program eligibility, verified losses, and available funding. RIDEM will reimburse eligible producers for up to 80 percent of approved losses, though a uniform reduction factor may be applied if total claims exceed available funding. Applicants are required to use a specific Applicant Calculator workbook to estimate losses and must provide supporting documentation and site access for verification. Awardees must execute all required contracts within 30 calendar days of notification and are responsible for any tax obligations resulting from the funds, which may be reported via Form 1099-G.